Oyuwari is a traditional shochu and awamori serving method that involves mixing the spirit with hot water. Oyuwari is recommended for atmospheric pot-distilled shochu and awamori rather than …
Kokuto: Japan’s Delicious Dark Sugar
“Sugar is the most important molecule on earth.” That’s the case Adam Rogers makes in chapter two of his award-winning book, Proof: The Science of Booze. And at least as far as sugar’s centrality …
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What is pot distillation?
We've learned that the first distillation of alcohol was a Muslim discovery, and what is now termed pot distillation was the original method. Thousands of years ago, pot distillation produced …
‘Tokyo Shimazake,’ Shochu’s Funky New GI
It's been 18 years since the WTO last recognized a regional shochu or awamori style as historically and culturally important enough to be protected from imitation worldwide. Japan's fifth and most …
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What is shochu made of?
Shochu is the most diverse spirit on the planet because it can legally be made from 53 approved ingredients (and their koji). However, one of the most beautiful things about the spirit is that …
Are shochu and sake the same?
Shochu and sake are not even remotely the same. While both beverages are indigenous to Japan, they are distinct in several ways. The key takeaway is that shochu is a spirit, while sake is a brewed …